DOVER — Melissa Brundage, General Manager of McDonald's in Dover, was selected for the “Ray Kroc” award. This award is given to the top 1% of restaurant managers and is named after founder Ray Kroc.

Melissa is one of four managers out of over 650 stores in New England selected for this award. In April, Melissa joined 140 other managers in Chicago who were selected for this award nationally. The recipients received a cash prize, a Ray Kroc award trophy, ring, pin and a three day trip to Chicago highlighted by the awards gala on April 16 hosted by McDonald's USA President, Jeff Stratton. The banquet took place at the Fairmont Chicago.

Some of the highlights of Melissa's performance were;

— In 2011 the restaurant was closed for three months to be rebuilt. On the reopening weekend the local McDonald's donated a percentage of its sales and combined with 12-time Olympic medal champion, member of the Olympic Hall of Fame and former Dover resident swimming legend Jenny Thompson to donate over $12,000 to the Dover City pools.

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The Dover McDonald’s management team poses in the restaurant with Olympian Jenny Thompson. General Manager Melissa Brundage is second from left. (Courtesy photo)

— Several current and former employees sent letters. Those letters exampled that Melissa acted as a mentor and role model for them.

— Melissa was recognized for her contribution to Special Olympics of New Hampshire. During each year there are regional events and the Dover McDonald's supplies meals to athletes, coaches and volunteers at those events. In June, the Special Olympics brings participants from across the state to the University of New Hampshire to compete. Melissa and her team are responsible for producing and overseeing more than 2,000 meals that Saturday for the athletes, coaches and volunteers to enjoy during the competition.

Owner Sal Napoli said “We are extremely proud of Melissa and impressed with her ability, drive to succeed and total dedication to McDonald's and The Napoli Group.”

Area supervisor Larry Johnston said “Melissa is the perfect representative to be chosen for this prestigious award and we are honored to have her as part of our team.”

Melissa said “When I was notified that I had won the Ray Kroc award, I couldn't even put my excitement into words. I've been working within the McDonald's organization for 20 years now, and it has been an amazing experience growing with this company. I'm thrilled to work for a company that strives to do so much for our local community.”